The Effects Of Temperature

The absence of heat from the brewing process gives cold brew its unique and prized characteristics, but also means it requires twice as many grounds and many additional hours of brewing time compared with hot methods.

Many of the acids and solubles responsible for light and floral notes in coffee are only extracted above certain temperatures.

For this reason, cold brew is low in acid and easy on the stomach, but also tends to have more muted flavors.

Choosing the right beans is the best way to ensure a cup that is both smooth and flavorful.

When choosing the best beans for cold brew, there are a few factors you need to consider.

Immersion vs. Cold Drip Cold Brewing

There are two primary ways to make cold brew coffee - immersion and slow drip. The immersion method is usually favored by home brewers for its simplicity.

Ground beans are steeped in cold water for 12 - 24 hours before being filtered out.

In the slow drip process, ice water is slowly dripped onto ground beans and collected in a carafe below.

The main advantage of this method is its relative speed, though it still takes 3 to 5 hours to yield a cup of cold brew.

However, the specialized equipment required renders it out of reach for most home brewers.

From a flavor standpoint, the immersion method results in a full-bodied concentrated brew whereas the drip method yields a more dilute medium-bodied beverage.

Brewing method can be an important consideration when choosing beans for cold brew.

The Grind Matters

Whether buying pre-ground beans for cold brew or grinding them yourself, be aware that grind matters.

A coarse grind is always preferable for a cold brew.

Fine grounds often produce more harsh or bitter flavors as a result of being over-extracted.

If using the slow drip method, the grind size is particularly important. A coarse grind is quicker to begin dripping, while a finer grind can sometimes become too dense and restrict the flow of water.

Experts are divided on the question. Some suggest light to medium roasts, which are naturally more acidic, because the cold brewing process eliminates much of the acidity of the beans.

Others recommend dark roasts because cold brew has a tendency to taste of darker, richer flavors, like chocolate, nuts and earthiness.

The bright acidity that characterizes light roasts may be difficult to extract through cold brewing and result in overall muted flavors.

Whichever you choose, bear in mind that lighter roasts will require a longer extraction time because the cellular structure of the beans has been less damaged by the roasting process.

Single-Origin or Blend?

While the question as to light or dark roasts seems to divide experts, most agree that single-origin beans are the best option for cold brew.

The cold brewing process allows the taster to experience the more subtle notes of a bean and truly appreciate the single-origin product.

While blends make sense for something like espresso, where a barista needs to balance acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, the absence of bitterness and acidity in a cold brew renders this process unnecessary.

To Milk or Not to Milk?

This is again a matter of personal taste.

Many experts recommend drinking cold brew coffee black because its flavors are already so subtle that it would be a disservice to further dilute them with dairy.

If you always add a little milk or cream to your coffee, consider sampling the cold brew without first.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

If you find it lacking, try mixing three parts cold brew with one part milk. Or, get creative with one of our delicious cold brew recipes.

Summary of the Best Coffees for Cold Brew

So now that you know everything to expect from cold brew, here are 7 beans that you can use to make your own at home.

Cold Buzz Coffee makes cold brewing as easy as possible by selling pre-ground beans already in bags, like tea bags. All you need to do is add water and soak overnight.

They source their 100% arabica beans from Central and South America and Europe. They are aware that cold brew is expensive because it requires many more grounds than hot coffee, so they work with roasters and wholesalers to try and keep costs down.

Cold Buzz Coffee offers a number of flavors, but the hazelnut is highly recommended. The sweet, buttery flavor is enhanced with a dark roast that makes it perfect for cold brewing.

PROS

Very convenient thanks to the pre-bagged ground.

The clean-up process is also easy with no filtering required.

CONS

Limited flexibility when it comes to other brewing methods.

This is not a roastery and the beans only come pre-ground, so freshness is probably compromised.

You have no control over the amount of grinds you use; the resultant cold brew might be too strong or too weak.

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